Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced computer simulator for large vehicles, in which simulated convex mirrors are provided, inset into side displays adjacent to simulated flat side-view mirrors. The right- and left-hand mirror groups are independently adjustable, and the convex mirror images are configured to show a wide-angle version of the rear view shown by the adjacent flat image.

Abstract: A semi-interactive driver training simulator in which the projected image contains simultaneous synchronized front view and side-view mirror images, in which the side-view mirror images have both large “flat” mirror and smaller “convex” images. To create the projected image, five separate cameras are mounted on a real vehicle, and used to take five views simultaneously—a front driver's view, upper “normal” left and right rear views and lower “wide angle” rear views. The two lower cameras are equipped with wide-angle lenses which simulate the convex mirrors used on real vehicles. The five images are separately recorded, with each video stream time-stamped. The time stamps are used to electronically combine the five images into the single synchronized image which is recorded for projection.

Abstract: A motion platform system for tilting and moving an audience of seated people as they view scenes projected on a screen includes four hydraulic cylinders arranged not only to pitch, roll, and heave (vertically translate) the audience, but also to provide longitudinal acceleration and deceleration forces.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for determining the reaction time of machine operators, especially drivers of automotive vehicles. A series of images are projected onto a viewing screen to be observed by a student at a student station. The images comprise one or more visual depictions of various operating conditions, including non-threatening and threatening conditions. After presenting a sequence of non-threatening conditions images, an "action cue image" representing a threatening condition is projected. The elapsed time between the projection of the action cue image and the initiation of the required response of the student is measured to derive the student's reaction time, in terms of seconds or distance traveled at a specified speed.

Abstract: A trainee station in a tractor-trailer training apparatus includes dummy controls simulating those of a tractor, and a display screen visible from the trainee station. At a remote diorama or terrain model a miniature tractor-trailer is moved atop the diorama in accordance with the operation of the trainee's dummy controls. A plurality of video cameras mounted within the cab of the miniature tractor provide video signals which are displayed on the mentioned screen. The fields-of-view of two of the video cameras embrace miniature rearview mirrors on the miniature tractor, providing realistic views of portions of the trailer as trainee operation of the controls moves the minature tractor-trailer about the diorama.

Abstract: The driver training simulator system of the present invention includes a visual display system and a student station. The student station has simulated automotive control elements such as a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, etc. The visual display system includes an arrangement for presenting images to the student, for example it may include a motion picture projector and an associated display screen. The images which are presented to the student include a plurality of separate sections. Each of the separate sections of the image is recorded by a separate camera. One of the sections of the image presented to the student is a conventional front looking "driver point of view" image, that is, the image that a driver would see looking through his front windshield. Another section of the images consists of images that were recorded by one or more cameras which were facing rearward.

Abstract: One end of an upper frame carrying an occupant station of a simulated vehicle is mounted on a base frame to pivot about a vertical axis, and a dummy steering wheel at the occupant station is linked to pivot the upper frame. Combined rotary and translation bearings support the other end of the upper frame on a shaft carried on the base frame to accommodate the pivotal movement about the vertical axis and also to provide a small upward pitching of the upper frame during pivoting of the upper frame in either direction from a central position, so that gravity acts to restore the upper frame and the steering wheel to centered conditions.

Abstract: A simulated floor-mounted gearshift lever for use in driver trainers to simulate either automatic or manual gearshift operation moves magnets to operate reed switches on a circuit card. Simple and economical mechanical linkage means provides realistic "feel" upon operation of the lever and allows ready conversion between "automatic" and "manual" simulation modes.